Brandon Marsh Nature Reserve

The basics

The Brandon Marsh Nature Reserve is part of a large-scale project to preserve and revitalize the UK’s depleted natural landscapes. It offers a range of trails, making it easy for everyone to get out into nature; the paved Kingfisher Trail and Woodpecker Trail are accessible to users of wheelchairs and strollers, while other trails are more rugged.

Most people visit independently while staying in or around Coventry, the West Midlands, or Warwickshire. You can easily spend anything from one hour to a whole day enjoying the reserve.

Things to know before you go

• Handy maps are available at the visitor center.

• For snacks and drinks, there’s a café overlooking the reserve.

• Entry is ticketed (free for kids under 4).

• Accessible parking and restrooms are available. Mobility scooters can be borrowed for free with advance booking.

How to get there

The reserve is southeast of Coventry, just outside the bypass that encircles the city. It’s easiest to get there by car. You can also ride a bike there, especially from the nearby villages. Bicycle parking is available, but you cannot ride inside the reserve.

When to get there

The reserve is open daily from morning to late afternoon; it opens slightly later on the weekends. From October to March, it closes slightly earlier, and it’s also closed for several days around Christmas. It’s best to avoid visiting after heavy or sustained rain, since the reserve can get muddy and some areas are prone to flooding, making bird-watching hides inaccessible.

Visit Coombe Abbey Park

Just north of Brandon Marsh Nature Reserve is the lovely Coombe Abbey Park, which is also worth visiting while staying around Coventry. At this sprawling historical park you’ll find gardens, lakeside walks, playgrounds, picnic areas, and bird-watching facilities. The 12th-century abbey at its center is now a luxury hotel. The park is especially popular with families, with lots of kid-friendly activities to enjoy.